Places to Visit Near Aluva

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About Aluva

If you have always dreamed of living in some beautiful suburbs, Aluva in Kerala is the place for you. It is in stark contrast to the hustle bustle of Ernakulam and a bliss to live in.
Home to numerous rivers, streams and temples, this laidback town welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. Besides the stunning landscape, there are a few places to see here including Aluva Palace, Shiva temple and Marthanda Varma Bridge. The Aluva Palace is one of the largest archaeological palaces in Kerala and is definitely a must visit. Even if you are not fond of historical tours, you can enjoy the grandeur this palace offers.
Instead of touristy sites, it's best to indulge in the spur of the moment tours where you will get a chance to interact with locals, learn about the culture and enjoy the many delicacies this small town offers.
You may not have too many options when it comes to hotels, but there are a few budget hotels you can try. Read More

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April,May,June,July,August,September

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This renowned hill station once housed the Madras Presidency during the British Rule and possesses many remnants in the form of regal looking bungalows, such as the Stone House, The Ootacamund Club, Government House and Fernhill Palace. This along with the tall pine trees in the green areas almost makes you believe you are in old English country.
Ooty is also home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the country, such as the Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake and the popular Ooty Lake. For some adventure, one can hop on the Nilgiri Toy Train and enjoy a ride through the blue mountains, winding through dense forests, dark tunnels and valleys from Ooty to Coonoor.
Ooty is heaven for nature lovers and a trek through the Mukurthi National Park will be etched on your mind for years to come, offering a stunning panorama of carpet like green hills, home to the tallest peak of the Nilgiri Range, several wildflowers and beauties such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Bonnet Macaque, Mouse Deer, Otter, Small Indian Civet and many more. If you still want more, you can take a mesmerising walk through the charming 19th century Government Botanical Gardens.
Ooty's beauty can be explored more adventurously with everything from horse riding to hand gliding and mountain biking, all arranged by various resorts. Avid readers will be overwhelmed to visit the 19th century Nilgiri Library, sheltering around 25,000 books and hosting many events to promote reading habits among all age groups.
Chocoholics should place King Star on the top of their itineraries for purchasing a plethora of delicious homemade chocolates. More delicious food from vegetarian, cafe to non-vegetarian cuisines can be enjoyed at popular places such as Quality Restaurant, Earl's Secret and Willy's Coffee Pub, which also has a commendable library for one to delve into while enjoying their drink. Witness Ooty come alive in the month of May, with its vibrant boat races and flower shows, hosted across the town.Read More

This renowned hill station once housed the Madras Presidency during the British Rule and possesses many remnants in the form of regal looking bungalows, such as the Stone House, The Ootacamund Club, Government House and Fernhill Palace. This along with the tall pine trees in the green areas almost makes you believe you are in old English country.
Ooty is also home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the country, such as the Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake and the popular Ooty Lake. For some adventure, one can hop on the Nilgiri Toy Train and enjoy a ride through the blue mountains, winding through dense forests, dark tunnels and valleys from Ooty to Coonoor.
Ooty is heaven for nature lovers and a trek through the Mukurthi National Park will be etched on your mind for years to come, offering a stunning panorama of carpet like green hills, home to the tallest peak of the Nilgiri Range, several wildflowers and beauties such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Bonnet Macaque, Mouse Deer, Otter, Small Indian Civet and many more. If you still want more, you can take a mesmerising walk through the charming 19th century Government Botanical Gardens.
Ooty's beauty can be explored more adventurously with everything from horse riding to hand gliding and mountain biking, all arranged by various resorts. Avid readers will be overwhelmed to visit the 19th century Nilgiri Library, sheltering around 25,000 books and hosting many events to promote reading habits among all age groups.
Chocoholics should place King Star on the top of their itineraries for purchasing a plethora of delicious homemade chocolates. More delicious food from vegetarian, cafe to non-vegetarian cuisines can be enjoyed at popular places such as Quality Restaurant, Earl's Secret and Willy's Coffee Pub, which also has a commendable library for one to delve into while enjoying their drink. Witness Ooty come alive in the month of May, with its vibrant boat races and flower shows, hosted across the town.

So we began another sleepless and rather cold journey and reached Ooty at around 3:00 am in the morning. It was cold and was drizzling with the wind slapping across our skimpy clothes. I went out to find a hotel room and had to literally break in to wake up the sleeping staff. Slept in a stuffy and smelly room, hoping that the day-break would bring some great sights, but, the morning brought rage.I had planned 3 days for the Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri circuit but we left the very next day and the only enjoyable thing that we got to do was to take a ride in the toy train from Coonoor to Ooty. That too was marred by the madding crowd. It was a really bad decision on my part to equate Ooty with the likes in Kerala. Ooty probably is a great destination but I really had different expectations and so did the others. So the bad part is better left unsaid.

OOTY - It is known as Udhagamandalam the Queen of Hills. It is located in Nilgiri Hills. It was known as Wotokymund. Toda, Kota and Kurumba tribe are the inhabitants of Ooty. Ooty has subtropical highland climate. Ooty is a popular place for Panaromic views, nature and honeymoon couples. The best time to visit Ooty - May-June. Days required to see full of Ooty - 3-4 days are required to see full of Ooty.How to reach Ooty - By air -To fly till Coimbatore and from there go to Ooty. By bus/Car - There are luxury buses that travel 3 hours from Coimbatore to Ooty daily. The ghat section is very pleasantable to drive. By Train - There are trains up to Mettupalaym. Nilgiri Mountain Trains travel up the hill.Point of interest -

Ootacamund or Ooty, located in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu is well connected by good roads to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka via five Nilgiri Ghat Roads and another road from Mettupalayamin Coimbatore District via Kotagiri. Its nearest Airport is at Coimbatore International Airport. The city of Coimbatore is located at 105 kms. from Ooty. But if you would like to know Ooty and its getaway attractions then the places that are ready to greet you are:-Tea-factoryOoty Botanical GardensGovernment Rose GardenOoty LakeStone House inside Government Arts CollegeToda Huts – before this region came under East India Company at the end of 18th Century, Ooty was occupied by Todas. Some Todas still inhabit in the region and their huts bear testimony to their rich artistic heritage St. Stephens Church – early Gothic revival, its stained glass and architecture reveals its early Gothic revival history. Wax-World – museum located in an old bungalowOoty Golf Links And now some of the nearby attractions:- Dodabetta Peak – highest in the Nilgiris – 2623 metres above Sea Level – this is only 10 kms from OotyTribal Museum – 10 kms – in Muthorai Palada

Started at 4:00am from Bangalore, took Bangalore-Mysore highway via Mandya. This is one of the busiest route during day time. I would suggest to take Kanakpura Road if travelling during day time. Since roads were empty, I was able to maintain the good speed and reached Bandipur Tiger Reserve around early. We were lucky to spot some Elephant and Deer on the way. Once crossed Bandipur Tiger Reserve, there are two ways to Ooty; one is with 36 hairpin bend this is via Masiagudi (commercial vehicle like buses are not allowed, you can ride/drive peacefully) and other one is via Mudumalai National Park (route for commercial vehicles). Both routes are good. I would suggest to take one route while going and take other one while returning. Road conditions are very good. The only thing I would suggest ride/drive carefully.Ooty: Small yet a lot to explore. A lush green place, take a deep breath and every part of your body will fell the freshness. Place so clean and green. You can walk to Lake which is very near to Railway Station.

Day 6: (Ooty)Boarded the super express of KSRTC to Ooty at 10 am. By 1 pm I reached Ooty. It was a different climate from SB. Hired a room and took a nap. After having dinner I explored the streets. The streets of Ooty was quite similar to that of Shimla and Mussoorie. A typical British era hill station. Day 7: (Ooty)

Ooty: This town in the state of Tamil Nadu is also known as the capital of the Nilgiri Hills where two mountain ranges meet. Botanical Gardens on the slopes of the Doddabetta peak and the small tea factory and museum in Ooty are definitely the must-see spots. Doddabetta Peak in Ooty, at a height of around 8,650 feet, is the highest peak in South India.Nearest domestic airport from Ooty is Coimbatore at a distance of 88kms. Mettupalyam is the nearest railhead and there are trains connecting Ooty to Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore and Bangalore. Ooty is just a road trip away from Bangalore via Mysore or via Chamarajanagar.Read More: Ooty, a ride into the heavenly Nilgiris by Rahul Arora

5. The captivating beauty of OotyTamil Nadu boasts of the lush greens of Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam. Ooty in Tamil Nadu is perfect for a summer escape from the hot climate of the plains. The peak season witnesses a large number of tourists. However, it is the best time to visit the town. Ooty's botanical garden has an annual flower which should not be missed. You could also go boating on Ooty Lake, or trek Dodabetta Peak for spectacular views of the Nilgiri hills. Nestled deep within the Nilgiri hills is what is known as Queen of all hill stations. Ooty’s captivating beauty far surpasses that of any other hill station in India. It’s what makes it one of the most celebrated hill stations in India.

The Queen of Hill Stations and a treasure of the Western Ghats, Ooty is impossibly beautiful and utterly mysterious all at the same time. The towering conifers and tea plantations, the colonial-era bungalows and the glittering lakes come together to make Ooty an exceptionally charming destination. While the town centre is majorly a concrete jungle, most of Udhagamandalam continues to retain its picture postcard quality. The many temples and gardens dotting the town help in amplifying its character.

Best time to visit - January,February,August,October,November,December

This seventh largest city of Kerala is popular for its houseboat cruises along the Kerala backwaters.
Alappuzha is bedecked with lagoons, beaches and canals and offers lots of water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing and water skiing, to unwind during your vacation. The backwaters also happen to be the venue for the annually celebrated (January and August) Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, where long serpentine boats being rowed with rhythmic furor by able-bodied Malayali men, is a spectacular site to behold.
Some other famous attractions include Alleppey Beach, Andhakaranazhi Beach, Vemband Lake, Mannarasala Temple and the Alappuzha Light House, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and the coastline, especially during sunsets. One can also take a speed boat to Pathiramanal Island, a quiet and picturesque island on the backwaters where one can witness hundreds of rare migratory birds from around the world.
South India is culturally rich and its abundance can be enjoyed through its music, dance and spirituality. Many resorts organise cultural shows in the evening where one can enjoy the traditional dance of Kerala and one of the oldest theatre forms of the world, Kathakali.
Places such as Thaff Delicacy, Dreamers Cafe and Restaurant, Mushroom Restaurant and Kream Korner Art Cafe are famous for delicious local, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Alappuzha can be reached by air, the nearest airport being Cochin International Airport, which is 83 km from the city, while buses and trains are also available.Read More

This seventh largest city of Kerala is popular for its houseboat cruises along the Kerala backwaters.
Alappuzha is bedecked with lagoons, beaches and canals and offers lots of water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing and water skiing, to unwind during your vacation. The backwaters also happen to be the venue for the annually celebrated (January and August) Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, where long serpentine boats being rowed with rhythmic furor by able-bodied Malayali men, is a spectacular site to behold.
Some other famous attractions include Alleppey Beach, Andhakaranazhi Beach, Vemband Lake, Mannarasala Temple and the Alappuzha Light House, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and the coastline, especially during sunsets. One can also take a speed boat to Pathiramanal Island, a quiet and picturesque island on the backwaters where one can witness hundreds of rare migratory birds from around the world.
South India is culturally rich and its abundance can be enjoyed through its music, dance and spirituality. Many resorts organise cultural shows in the evening where one can enjoy the traditional dance of Kerala and one of the oldest theatre forms of the world, Kathakali.
Places such as Thaff Delicacy, Dreamers Cafe and Restaurant, Mushroom Restaurant and Kream Korner Art Cafe are famous for delicious local, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Alappuzha can be reached by air, the nearest airport being Cochin International Airport, which is 83 km from the city, while buses and trains are also available.

Alappuzha was next, around 130kms from Marottichal, also known as the “Venice of the East”, thanks to its picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons. I was there to witness the audacity of the place which is one-of-its-kind. The backwaters are the most popular tourist attraction in Alappuzha but what I found more fascinating was the boat race (lucky enough to witness it). Get lost in the rustic environment of this place and let the universe determine the rest (Tip no. 3). Best part: Alappuzha is blessed with a rather surreal geographical feature of having the water at level with the land. Capture it, feel it.

3. ALLEPPEYRather optimistically dubbed ‘the Venice of India’, Alleppey doesn’t really live up to its nickname. At the time there seemed to be an unfortunate rubbish problem that plagues most Indian towns and cities and the canals were teeming with debris and oily waste. That being said the main draw of this town doesn’t lie in the centre but in the vast network of canals on its outskirts.For varying costs depending on size and quality you can rent a houseboat for a few days and float down the waterways atop your very own converted rice barge. Indian life continues in a much more traditional pace away from the hustle and bustle and this is clear to see as you slowly cruise down the waterways. Feast on freshly caught fish or lounge on your very own boat balcony as you watch rural India slip past.

We didn’t spend much time there as due to peak season there was much crowd however the beach was good and clean and would be more soothing in non-peak season. Returning back we had lunch and then took the boat jetty to cross and reach station in another 5 minutes. In an hour we entered ALLEEPY. The home stay booked awaited us with surprise. Nestled away near one of the backwaters and quiet off from the main town. Again one point to be noted is most of the places are easier to reach by boat than road. A wooden cottage with a private balcony overlooking the one of the water lanes. A wooden bench for sitting just outside the cottage, a perfect recipe for an evening tea.Day 4 :- Alleppy Back WaterThis day we have reserved for basically two major activities for which Kerala is most famous, massage and back waters. From our guest house we took the boats which are used for transport to reach the main jetty. Most of the commercial activities are in and around this area. We went for the most basic Kerala massage and I would recommend a full hour head massage would be worthier than a full body massage. We had lunch at one of the local shops serving authentic Kerala food and spent the rest of the day admist back waters. We hopped off at one of the stops and went around the paddy fields for an hour. In the night we had a little bit of adventure when stopped at 2 stops before as we wanted to walk. We realized that this small 1 km walk was not that easy as we encountered small streams. We were helped by local villagers to find our way back.Day 5 :- Alleppy to Varkala

Alleppey BeachAlleppey Beach is one of the most well known and popular beaches among all the beaches in kerala.The primary attraction of this beach lies in the facilities that Vijaya Beach Park provides. One can also indulge in picnics and get togethers here, which are popular activities among the local population.The shoreline is stunning and will leave you asking for more.

Next we depart for Alappuzha beach. My friends were totally behaving like Kids, as they were enjoying a lot.. but I was lost in my own world...feeling the cool droplets of water coming from the sea..the relaxing air breeze..

, Alleppey Backwaters and a stay in the houseboat.**Snippets: Kerala has played a vital role in keeping the magic of Ayurveda alive so if you need some then visit Athreya Ayurvedic Resort. 4: GOA - The Hippies' Paradise

After Athirapally, We left for the most obvious thing to do when in Kerala. The boathouse. We reached Alappuzha and rented a guest room of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation because boy! Accommodation here is expensive and hard to find. Now all the other Boathouses were quite expensive, So we went ahead with KTDC boathouse at a reasonable prize of 10K for the next night. You can rent for upto a month, but 1-2 days is seriously enough. Normally, one would expect a government boathouse to not be any better than a private one, but we were taken aback! It was beautiful! We had a 2 room boathouse, with a beautiful deck, and AC! You need AC boathouse, you cannot do without the AC on a boathouse, and even if you do, the insects are going to kill you. The boathouse was the incentive and the prize for our extremely sleepless foodless yet breathtaking journey till now. It is a MUST! The view is like those you see on Google Images, or probably Windows screensavers. Its unbelievable. One cannot miss the boathouse when in Kerala. The food is included in the cost, they give Lunch, Evening snacks, Dinner and the Breakfast in the morning before they get you back to the shore.

Next day Stop was a Quick 2hour ride to Alleppey, To board our House Boat, The Day was spent in indolent Gliding in the gleaming waters and shadows of coconut trees on either sides. A Watery Coconut in the evening and Fried Fish, Fished From The Backwaters itself. Had nothing to do after the sunset, so waited for the next morning with intolerable bug bites and boredom.

Alleppey:Finally, I was on my way to Alleppey boat house. The thought of boat house itself was so exciting since this was my first experience staying in it. I must admit that it way more thrilling than it sounds. Thanks to JCT Houseboats for great arrangements:

Coonoor, or Kannur as it is also known is a small district that is rather famous for its production of Nilgiri tea. The best way to get there would hands down be the Heritage Train, which gives you a chance to soak in the scenic route while indulging in interesting conversations with the locals.
Established in 1984, Sim's Park is a lusciously filled botanical garden. A must visit, its sloping manicured lawns hold over a thousand plant species both rare and local, and make for a perfect picnic spot. While at Coonoor, it is easy to fall in love with the place and its people, and there are a variety of places to go to if you're looking for some serenity. The Dolphin's Nose (which is a rock that literally looks like the name) is another such haven for visitors and even offers you a misted view of the Laws Falls.
For every person who comes here, a trip to the magnificent tea estates is definitely in order, where you can see everything from its manufacturing to actually getting a taste of it. It'll change your perception of tea – especially if you're a tea lover! Coonoor is definitely a highlighted trip on the bucket list of everyone looking to find themselves away from the hustle of life. Read More

Coonoor, or Kannur as it is also known is a small district that is rather famous for its production of Nilgiri tea. The best way to get there would hands down be the Heritage Train, which gives you a chance to soak in the scenic route while indulging in interesting conversations with the locals.
Established in 1984, Sim's Park is a lusciously filled botanical garden. A must visit, its sloping manicured lawns hold over a thousand plant species both rare and local, and make for a perfect picnic spot. While at Coonoor, it is easy to fall in love with the place and its people, and there are a variety of places to go to if you're looking for some serenity. The Dolphin's Nose (which is a rock that literally looks like the name) is another such haven for visitors and even offers you a misted view of the Laws Falls.
For every person who comes here, a trip to the magnificent tea estates is definitely in order, where you can see everything from its manufacturing to actually getting a taste of it. It'll change your perception of tea – especially if you're a tea lover! Coonoor is definitely a highlighted trip on the bucket list of everyone looking to find themselves away from the hustle of life.

Ride to Connoor was through mountain curves, hairpin bents and tea gardens..

We took a Toy Train (my first experience) from Ooty to Coonoor. This is Nilgiri Range. As far as you can see is only green mountains. Toy trains are small and can accommodate only limited number of people, I would suggest to do reservations. After that, we visited Doddabetta Peak. This is kind of off-road ride because road conditions are not good, be careful on this road cos it steep and wet. Since, it’s on hill top, you will be able to see a lot from there but only if fog is not there (we had bad luck).

How I got there:From Goa to Coonoor: Via bus (KSRTC) from Goa to Mysore to Ooty and a local to CoonoorFrom Coonoor to Parsons Valley: Four-wheel drive (they send you one if required at extra cost)Where I stayed:Parsons Valley Retreat (Rs1800 per person per night including breakfast, lunch, tea + snacks, dinner). They made a bonfire and put some logs in the cabin so we wouldn’t freeze to death.What I ate:In Parsons Valley: delicious array of south Indian foodIn Ooty: Chocolates from Modern StoresRead about my trip here: http://diellesdoodles.blogspot.in/

Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft, it is a small town with salubrious climate which sits on the Eastern Nilgiri Hills. It is a quintessential tea town as the massive tea plantations surround the hills and Coonoor's economy depends on tea trade. It is 17 km away from Ooty. The main attractions of this place are Sim's Park, Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose and Law's Falls. Image Sources: Sim's Park | Lamb's Rock |Law's Falls | Dolphin's Nose

The second largest hill station in the Nilgiris, second only to Ooty, Coonoor is a peaceful little town and delicately pretty. The climate here is a lot milder and a multitude of heritage hotels cater to those looking to get away from the chaos of its elder sibling. Tea and coffee plantations are in abundance and so are sightseeing opportunities in the form of parks and waterfalls.

We love Coonoor for its salubrious climate, fresh air, rolling tea plantations, great parks and waterfalls.
Vivek hotel provides reasonably priced decent accommodation for budget, mid-range and top end tourists. The hotel is conveniently located, has a good layout and peaceful ambience.

Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft, it is a small town with salubrious climate which sits on the Eastern Nilgiri Hills. It is a quintessential tea country as the massive tea plantations surround the hills and Coonoor's economy depends on tea trade. It is 17 km away from Ooty. The main attractions of this place are Sim's Park, Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose and Law's Falls.

The hilly district of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu is known for some fine tea. And Coonoor is an excellent place to discover this distinctive dark and intensely aromatic Nilgiri tea!
Tea here buds around the year but November to February produces the best tea in this region and what can be better than a hot cup in the winters?! While you’re at it, allow a tea planter to explain the intricacies to you, your cup will become much more the worth.
Nilgiri tea is strong and well-balanced, with a well-rounded flavor. While in Coonoor, find out if you can try this rare type of tea, known as a "frost tea", where the leaves are harvested in the winter when the chill creates a concentrated sweet and rosy flavor in the leaves. Say, you book this cup now!

Best time to visit - January,February,March,September,October,November,December

Kumarakom is an exotic cluster of villages in Kerala that was created for tourists by claiming land from the Vembanad Lake that surrounds it. The landscape is covered by greenery consisting of shrubs, grass and bushes punctuated by pretty lilies and other flowers. Coconut trees line the horizon and complete the picture.
This sleepy lake village is the abode of countless rare migratory birds, including the Siberian Stork and Waterfowls. Egrets, herons, ducks and kingfisher are also commonly seen here. The Vembanad Lake is home to fish, shrimp and prawn.
Tourists frequent this destination for its backwater boathouse rides. Though expensive, the experience is worth it, especially if you have a good chef on board, who can make you delicacies of the local cuisine.
Kumarakom also houses the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is a great place to walk around and for birdwatching. If you happen to be here during the festival of Onam, don't miss out on the boat races. Various kinds of boats such as Odi-Vallam, Churulan Vallam, Chundan Vallam and Kochu-odi Vallam are taken over by more than a thousand oarsmen. Canoe trips can be organised on request and are best enjoyed early in the morning or during the evenings.Read More

Kumarakom is an exotic cluster of villages in Kerala that was created for tourists by claiming land from the Vembanad Lake that surrounds it. The landscape is covered by greenery consisting of shrubs, grass and bushes punctuated by pretty lilies and other flowers. Coconut trees line the horizon and complete the picture.
This sleepy lake village is the abode of countless rare migratory birds, including the Siberian Stork and Waterfowls. Egrets, herons, ducks and kingfisher are also commonly seen here. The Vembanad Lake is home to fish, shrimp and prawn.
Tourists frequent this destination for its backwater boathouse rides. Though expensive, the experience is worth it, especially if you have a good chef on board, who can make you delicacies of the local cuisine.
Kumarakom also houses the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is a great place to walk around and for birdwatching. If you happen to be here during the festival of Onam, don't miss out on the boat races. Various kinds of boats such as Odi-Vallam, Churulan Vallam, Chundan Vallam and Kochu-odi Vallam are taken over by more than a thousand oarsmen. Canoe trips can be organised on request and are best enjoyed early in the morning or during the evenings.

We were to head towards Kumarakom for our booked resort and thus we started looking for Bike on rent and Found the following contact to rent two wheeler for three days

Clueless and restless, we met a couple of people telling us the route to Alleppey, Thaneermukkam, Kumarakom, Cherthala and Ernakulam Bus Jn.There were people stopping bus for us to hop on (which we didnt hop on), there were cab services asking us 1100 bucks for just 55kms, explaining us the rule of paying for the cab's return journey as well.Quite frankly, we found it simply FOOLISH!Dismissing it all, I called Aravind and so there it was..he arranged a cab for us and his sweet little brother,Arun got us a cab at Woodland showroom.I had managed to charge my phone good enough to call Ilona resorts and Arun.And we thanked Gods for having a driver bhaiya who talked fluently in Hindi and so the 55kms journey to Kumarakom begun! Enjoying the view, chatting with the driver bhaiya, charging my phone, listening to Malayalam songs and munching on snacks, the weather was cloudy.Place : Kumarakom - Ilona Lake Resort.What-a-room and what-a-balcony-view! EXOTIC!We were in literal HEAVEN.Finally happy to find white sheets and a roof on our heads, four of us had to decide on our POA since it was raining outside and the houseboat was charging us way too much and that too just for an hour. Finally, I came up with the plan of hitting the beach that evening and doing the backwaters the following day! Alleppey beach in 30mins..(Man! everyone on that route has a big bungalow) and the warm sea breeze cheered all of us almost at once! It had even stopped raining and there were no harsh sun rays to bother us..sitting on the sand we chatted, made sand castles,clicked pictures,played music, called crows by our other friends's names, attended afew phone calls and walked on that clear sand. Life is happier with girlfriends and a happy sun going down the horizon. LUCKY!Back to the resort and Swetha was soooper-hungry! "Whats the time Swetha?" 8.15PM! We were like WTF,its just 8.15PM! As the fate would have it, we got a call from Nidhi(Resort Mgr) to eat early since there was a huge group headed towards restaurant in an hour's time! So there we were, munching the first proper meal of the day. Day One was about to come to a closure but not before we watched Sholay,Rajneeti, Mission to end terror and Jab We Met! #3AM-time-to-sleep zzzZZZZZZDay:2 8.45AM
"Eva! Uth ja!" .. I waited for my phone alarm.Swetha was already in the bath, Jahnavi with cam and Sharada on her phone.POA of the day was being worked upon..trying to get the best deal..challenge it was! And then Nidhi called on my phone telling me about one particular houseboat we could take from Alleppey finishing point.In another 15mins, it was decided...that was gonna be our Houseboat for the day!10.45 AM and we went to dining hall to have our breakfast! Chicken Sausages,Eggs and Pineapple juice made my tummy happy enough to start the day.11.30AM and ready to check-out we requested Nidhi for a pic with us and bid GOODBYE to Ilona. Within.Within 45mins, there we were inside our houseboat with Saju at the steering wheel.My first experience of a houseboat was about to begin. With lime juice in one hand and my Nikon in other, the journey of these backwaters started. Peaceful water with houses on both the sides of water body, the quiteness around sunk in and it was a whole new ethereal world.It was a different HIGH, out of world experience. I was happy! I was content! I was not listening to music! I was myself!Incredible landscapes followed just as the boat sailed. Then we received a brochure of an Ayurvedic Massage Centre where we were to stop during lunchtime and we could get a good spa done. Another thing to do checked off the list! 90mins we were at Kairali Spa Centre. RELAXED, we discovered the green fields on the other side of the center. Sharada and Jahnavi even went into the paddy fields. Starting again, soon enough it was time for LUNCH!One word ~ most delicious FISH ever! Beautifully cut pineapples! Thick Kerala Rice! Spicy Tasty Chicken! Tzinga and Beer and Vodka! ..the spread all laid out in the middle of the boat...we were overjoyed.
This trip was truly becoming a mysterious adventure, too many good things at once made it all the more special.It was time for us to get out of backwaters by evening and so we said we said our goodbyes to pier.Tipping our boat guides, we finished clicking pics and met the taxi guy who had brought her to Allupuzha (yes! we had learnt to speak local name of the place)...and vroom! we were again on the way to Cochin.The backwaters experience that I shared with my four girlfriends was our first all girls's trip and we talked of printing out shirts with a pic of all four of us when we would go out next..just the four of us :)And so, with the next sunrise we were in the noisy Bangalore amidst morning office goers crowd.A new week had begun and thankfully we had so many stories to tell at home, at work, everywhere we went.Its trips like these which make you realise that this life is a beautiful place because of the close pals we have around..its all about the company, place doesnt matter that much.We were glad that we did it. Its nice to let go off every worry in the world and just stretch our legs in the jocund company of those who'd be with you irrespective of their own constraint. We come from a race who's ever running, a clan who like an idea so much to commit on a Monday and ditch the same plan on that very Friday..we believe in life where we dont have to move a limb, a comfortable life. But the real mantra lies in expanding those wings and stepping out of our comfort zone, meeting new people, learning new languages, and if time be,penning all of it down one day.I'd recommend Alleppey and Kumarakom to anyone and everyone who wants to witness the real Kerala and its magic!

Take yourself away from the city lights and listen to your own heartbeat and see your soul have a conversation with yourself in the beautiful city of Kumarakom. And if you are a person who loves animals and nature more than people, this should truly be your dream destination. It not only casts a spell on you but can also comfort a timid mind.

A homely dinner later and friendly chats with Mr Thomas at their table, I asked him about the high number of Bengali speaking workers disembarking at Ernakulam earlier in the morning. He shared how with most Keralites migrating to the ‘Gulf’, they faced acute labour problems, hence drawing labour from faraway places.

We had planned a 7N/ 8D trip to Kerala. It was a very laid back trip. We wanted to enjoy the places and relax, so we stayed at 2 places - Cherai Beach and Kumarakom. Cherai Beach was a 4N stay and Kumarakom was 3N. We enjoyed the beaches, the backwaters and the amazing food to the fullest.

You can watch the race either from the banks of the lake ( intermingle of the local cloud, which should be more fun !! ), or decide to be a little more comfortable and perch yourself on top of a house-boat on the waters of the lake itself. We went for the latter, and hired a house-boat to take us from Kumarakom to Alleppey, which I guess is also their normal route, so you may not have to pay a lot extra ( as Alleppey is anyway a docking place for these house boats ). Mind you, house-boat will be one of your major expenses anyway, and more so during the boat race. That being said, these boats are wonders in themselves, and call for an experience at least a few times in your life ! These boats boast of 1, 2, 3 ( and probably more ) bedrooms, with a seating area in front. You’re treated to quality home-like local food, and you can get more economical by choosing to avail only the day-tour ( given the fact that these boats just dock up in a village for the night, and are not allowed to roam around anyway. You can, however, opt for a small boat tour in the backwaters once you dock up and have some time before sunset. You can go a bit inside into the villages probably, and it would be leisurely off course ! ).Focussing on the boat race, it is actually a series of races ( starting, I guess, with the qualifying rounds ) held over a period of 2-3 hrs, so you will get lot of opportunities to click. However, sun may be directly overhead if the race starts in the afternoon, as it was in our case. You may still get some decent light from the bank of the lake, but from the house-boat side, we were not in good luck, and had to satisfy ourselves mostly with silhouette shots. The light got a little better towards the end of the race though. That being said, I'm not sure if that is the case each year if they keep changing the race locations !The race got over by evening, and we headed back to your boarding point at Kumarakom. After staying put at a private place nearby, our next morning was reserved for a visit to the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, before our train journey back home, in the evening. The sanctuary is pretty dense but we did not have any bird sighting of significance. A guard we met on the way told us about a few watchtowers towards the end of the trail from where you get to see quite a few those birds, but we were not in luck as we didn't have sufficient time to walk all the way till there. We were also slowed down by our macro photography pursuits, and there were insects in abundance to keep us busy. There's a small butterfly park bang near the reception of the sanctuary, and then a singular path that takes you inside, perhaps all the way to those watchtowers.We were inside the sanctuary for a good 2 hours, and spent most of our time doing some macro-work. Rest of the time was spent in packing up and getting back to the Kottayam railway station for our appointment with the train, which was at 4 P.M.btw, if time permits, and if you're somewhere nearby a place called Ettumanoor ( our resting place for the night ), don't forget to stop by the old Mahadeva Temple there. It's a famous old construction, and a magnificent one at that. You should love roaming inside it's precincts. Should not take more than half an hour.Ok then, another over-night train journey, and we were back in Bangalore, fresh from our sojourn in the lush 'Greenland' that is Kerala ! Looking fwd to another grueling week, and then to another journey perhaps !In short, this was our route: Bangalore -----> Kottayam -----> Kumarakom ----> Punnamada lake using house boat ----> Back to Kumarakom and alight from the boat ----> Our private resting place nearby, for the night ----> Kumarakom bird sanctuary next day ----> Kottayam railway station.It was a 2 day affair all in all, without much hassle and hurries, so there's no need to take any leave from office ;-) !August, btw, is bang in the middle of the rainy season; enjoy the rains if you don't get to shoot :-) !

We ordered dishes for lunch as they said all the items are freshly prepared. Needless to say, the meal was out of the world. All the Kerala dishes just amazing. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoyed the evening at the pool. It rained during day and the view of raindrops on the canal was so pretty that we forgot all other worries. It was truly a magical time. As it was off season the crowd was very less which was a plus point. We could have the pool mostly for ourselves.

Nextop Kumarakom backwaters. This is a must-do in every Kerala traveller's check list, and rightly so. We got a room facing the Vembanad Lake. We hired a boat for the day and got baked in the sun. Yes, getting baked is possible even in December here!

Why Kumarakom and not Alleppey for the backwaters? Simply because I was curious to see why Kumarakom is not often preferred while house-boating. Honest answer: I loved my choice.If you feel the same too, feel free to comment. Can't wait to read your thoughts. :)Expenditure: 6000 INR for 6 hours (plus 400 INR per plate for food).#kumarakom #kerala #backwaters #houseboat #keralatourism #weekendgetaway

Boasting of a culturally rich history, this small town close to Kottayam is home to numerous temples.
Changanassery is laidback and seems quite happy with where it is and there is no rush to do anything. The matter of daily business is taken very lightly but not casually, and it's actually quite a delight to escape the hustle and bustle of cities. There are many temples here that deserve a visit. Among the more notable ones are Perunna Subramanyaswami Temple, Vazhappally Temple and Thrikodithanam Temple.
Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple is one of the five temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and connected to the Pandava brothers. It is one of the most sacred temples in Kottayam and the most visited.
Besides the temples, there is not much to explore here and it's best not to spend more than a day here unless this is where you are staying. If you are staying here, you can travel outside the city to explore other touristy spots. Read More

Boasting of a culturally rich history, this small town close to Kottayam is home to numerous temples.
Changanassery is laidback and seems quite happy with where it is and there is no rush to do anything. The matter of daily business is taken very lightly but not casually, and it's actually quite a delight to escape the hustle and bustle of cities. There are many temples here that deserve a visit. Among the more notable ones are Perunna Subramanyaswami Temple, Vazhappally Temple and Thrikodithanam Temple.
Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple is one of the five temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and connected to the Pandava brothers. It is one of the most sacred temples in Kottayam and the most visited.
Besides the temples, there is not much to explore here and it's best not to spend more than a day here unless this is where you are staying. If you are staying here, you can travel outside the city to explore other touristy spots.

Changanacherry, a town in Kottayam district of Kerala is located between Kottayam and Thiruvalla townships. It is known as the gateway to the high ranges and the backwaters of Kuttanad. In the past, the region was known as Anchu Vilakkinta Pattanam, which in local language means ‘Town of five fire lamps.’ It once formed the northern boundary of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.

So much has been said about Coorg that one heads there with tons of expectations. And luckily, travellers are not disappointed. From the surreal beauty surrounding the small town to its rich flora and fauna, Coorg is a wonderful experience.
The laidback town is home to a number of touristy places, though most of them are situated a little further from the center of town. Do visit Abbey Falls for a rejuvenating afternoon and Tadiyendamol, the highest peak in the region, for an overwhelming view of the city below.
Coorg is also home to an elephant farm that invites travellers to spend a day with these gentle creatures. The itinerary at the farm includes bathing elephants, feeding them and taking them for a walk. It's a lovely way to spend your day and the experience will stay with you for a long, long time.
For foodies, there isn't an opportunity to experiment too much but the food available more than makes up for the lack of experimentation. The local cuisine is simple but delicious. The homestays here offer an experience you can't miss. The warm hospitality, the delicious food and an experience that takes you closer to nature is what Coorg is all about. Read More

So much has been said about Coorg that one heads there with tons of expectations. And luckily, travellers are not disappointed. From the surreal beauty surrounding the small town to its rich flora and fauna, Coorg is a wonderful experience.
The laidback town is home to a number of touristy places, though most of them are situated a little further from the center of town. Do visit Abbey Falls for a rejuvenating afternoon and Tadiyendamol, the highest peak in the region, for an overwhelming view of the city below.
Coorg is also home to an elephant farm that invites travellers to spend a day with these gentle creatures. The itinerary at the farm includes bathing elephants, feeding them and taking them for a walk. It's a lovely way to spend your day and the experience will stay with you for a long, long time.
For foodies, there isn't an opportunity to experiment too much but the food available more than makes up for the lack of experimentation. The local cuisine is simple but delicious. The homestays here offer an experience you can't miss. The warm hospitality, the delicious food and an experience that takes you closer to nature is what Coorg is all about.

Adventures in Coorg is a never ending game, apart from its scenic beauty enthralling, it offers a lot for your adrenaline rush as well. If you are planning to visit Coorg, do plan your trip around July and Oct since it's the time to have white River rafting specifically 7km & 12km. Other months, you get to do still water rafting of 1-2km. Though a little stress to raft yet it worth to get into the waters..

Coorg
Tired of slogging through yet another tough semester? Book tickets to Coorg and let the lazy out! Brew yourselves some refreshing local tea, grab the wooden chairs, and talk about nothing and everything with the people who know you the best. Hop to the local markets and pick out some lovely kadagas (bangles) for yourself or your friends. As you are engulfed by the green forests and the blue skies, your soul will rejuvenate itself without you even realizing.

Coorg is a perfect monsoon destination as it receives a good amount of rainfall in June. June is the onset of monsoon in this town and also the best time to see waterfalls in their full flow. The pleasant weather becomes quite cool by night. The Abbey falls are absolutely spectacular! Make sure you do not miss this in the off-season places to visit in India list that has been hanging on your wall for so long!The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (137 km), but you can also reach there by train or bus.Off-Season In July

Coorg: With astonishing variety of flora and fauna, vast expanse of coffee plantations and stunning waterfalls, Coorg is a bucket list destination for many curious travellers. Some of the must visit places in Coorg include Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey falls, Brahmagiri Peak and Iruppu Falls.Nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore International Airport. Mysore is the nearest railhead, about 120 kms away from Coorg. Bus services connects Coorg to all the major cities of Karnataka through KSRTC bus services.Read More: Disconnect and let the Wild sink in at Coorg (Kodagu) by Pratiksha Mohanty

River Barapole in Coorg, Dakshina Kannada, is the perfect destination for monsoon rafting . There are around 7 rapids in quick succession, between grade 2 to 4, depending on the season and water level.

1. Coorg -Known officially as Kodagu district, Coorg is definitely paradise on Earth. This hill station located close to Bangalore city is renowned for its stunning scenery and greenery. Coorg’s hills covered by forests, the coffee and spice plantations add to the beauty of the landscape. The town’s transportation centre is Madikeri – from where cars and buses converge with tourists. The region of Coorg in the Kodagu district of Karnataka presents a pretty picture of rolling hills towering over sparkling lakes and streams and evergreen forests and coffee plantations. There’s plenty by way of adventure activities from trekking, camping and dirt biking to taking a tour of its coffee plantations or exploring the wild side of nature in an excursion through its wildlife sanctuaries.All of this make Coorg one of the most sought after weekend getaways from Bangalore. Known as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is a beautiful hill station and is very close to Bangalore. Here you will find pristine sceneries and a number of options for trekking. The treks here are of moderate difficulty and thus meant for almost every one. The panoramic views from the top of the hills are mesmerizing. There are also a few old Buddhist and Hindu temples here.

13. Coorg -Also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ this place has a lot to offer starting from activities to natural beauty and delicious cuisine. This is definitely one of the most opted for weekend getaways from Chennai with its exotic locations, luscious greenery and trekking options. The Coorgi Chicken curry is like heavenly food on the taste palette and historians also find fuel over here. September to May is the best time to visit this place.

27. The misty coffee-plantations of CoorgLying gracefully amidst the Western Ghats is the beautiful hill country of Coorg. Misty hills encompassing lush evergreen forests, acres of tea and coffee plantations, a bevy of orange groves, gentle flowing streams and striking waterfalls all but make Coorg an unforgettable memory.

Best time to visit - January,February,September,October,November,December

In God’s own country is the relatively larger city of Kottayam, famous for being the trade centre of rubber, commercial crops and spices. More than being a tourist attraction, this city is the gateway to the high ranges of central Kerala, Wagamon and Elaveezha Poonchira. It is also conveniently located between the ghats and the backwaters, providing easy access to both as well as the best of both worlds!
Among the many places to visit here, Marmala is a wonderful option for its magnificent waterfalls and absolutely breathtaking beauty. The Poonjar Palace, on the other hand, is a testimony to the glorious past of Kottayam. From an enormous collection of antiques to exquisite furniture, everything is preserved in this former home of the royal family. The palace protects even the tiniest of items such as jewel boxes, lamps, sculptures of Nataraja, palm-leaf engravings and grain measures.
Pathiramanal, fondly known as the 'sands of midnight' is small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha. Sparking in natural beauty, the reflection of the moonlight on the white sand of the island is a sight to behold. Vembanad Lake is also a good option to spend a day on the coconut-fringed backwaters enjoying a leisurely meal!Read More

In God’s own country is the relatively larger city of Kottayam, famous for being the trade centre of rubber, commercial crops and spices. More than being a tourist attraction, this city is the gateway to the high ranges of central Kerala, Wagamon and Elaveezha Poonchira. It is also conveniently located between the ghats and the backwaters, providing easy access to both as well as the best of both worlds!
Among the many places to visit here, Marmala is a wonderful option for its magnificent waterfalls and absolutely breathtaking beauty. The Poonjar Palace, on the other hand, is a testimony to the glorious past of Kottayam. From an enormous collection of antiques to exquisite furniture, everything is preserved in this former home of the royal family. The palace protects even the tiniest of items such as jewel boxes, lamps, sculptures of Nataraja, palm-leaf engravings and grain measures.
Pathiramanal, fondly known as the 'sands of midnight' is small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha. Sparking in natural beauty, the reflection of the moonlight on the white sand of the island is a sight to behold. Vembanad Lake is also a good option to spend a day on the coconut-fringed backwaters enjoying a leisurely meal!

Kottyam, situated in the basin of the Meenachil River and in the basin of the Vembanad backwaters, is a beautiful town, with many old churches, giving it a vintage look. My friend, with whom I went for the trip, dwells from Kottyam, so I ended up at her place, and could binge on authentic Kerala cuisine, starting from Iddiyappam, to Beef Dosa.

Kottayam is another heavenly place of Kerala where you can visit the Ernakulam town for shopping. Cheriyapally and ettumanoor are must visit places in Kottayam. Even the feeling of staying in a hotel in Kottayam is very peaceful. Such is the feeling encountered when I had visited the place.

Best time to visit - February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September

A bustling market town surrounded by lush green hills, Madikeri has a pleasant climate to unwind in and various treks and picnics to enjoy.
A major attraction is the Raja Seat, a seasonal garden, where children can even enjoy a ride on the toy train. Other places include the Chiklihole Dam, Madikeri Fort, a 17th century marvel, and the Omkareshwara Temple, a 19th century place of worship, possessing both Gothic and Islamic styles of architecture circumscribing a central pool.
The best trekking expeditions are to Chomakund, which is close to the beautiful Chelavera falls, the 16 km trek to Kote Betta where one can also choose to stay overnight in a picturesque village and Thadiyandamole, perched at a height of 5729 ft, from where breathtaking views of the Arabian sea and Kerala coast can be enjoyed.
More stunning waterfalls to visit are Mallalli Falls, Iruppu Falls and Abbey Falls. Animal lovers will have a hard time leaving after a visit to the Dubare Elephant Camp, a protected forest in Coorg reached by crossing the river by boat, where elephants are trained by naturalists and can also be learnt about and bathed by visitors. One can also choose to enjoy various adventure sports there such as river rafting, boating and elephant riding.
Some popular places to eat are Taste of Coorg, Coorg Cuisine and Beans n' Brew cafe for delicious Coorgi dishes and cafe meals and drinks.Read More

A bustling market town surrounded by lush green hills, Madikeri has a pleasant climate to unwind in and various treks and picnics to enjoy.
A major attraction is the Raja Seat, a seasonal garden, where children can even enjoy a ride on the toy train. Other places include the Chiklihole Dam, Madikeri Fort, a 17th century marvel, and the Omkareshwara Temple, a 19th century place of worship, possessing both Gothic and Islamic styles of architecture circumscribing a central pool.
The best trekking expeditions are to Chomakund, which is close to the beautiful Chelavera falls, the 16 km trek to Kote Betta where one can also choose to stay overnight in a picturesque village and Thadiyandamole, perched at a height of 5729 ft, from where breathtaking views of the Arabian sea and Kerala coast can be enjoyed.
More stunning waterfalls to visit are Mallalli Falls, Iruppu Falls and Abbey Falls. Animal lovers will have a hard time leaving after a visit to the Dubare Elephant Camp, a protected forest in Coorg reached by crossing the river by boat, where elephants are trained by naturalists and can also be learnt about and bathed by visitors. One can also choose to enjoy various adventure sports there such as river rafting, boating and elephant riding.
Some popular places to eat are Taste of Coorg, Coorg Cuisine and Beans n' Brew cafe for delicious Coorgi dishes and cafe meals and drinks.

Ask anyone in Coorg and they will direct you to a place called Madikeri. It is around 260 kilometers away from the city of Bangalore and has seen much success over the years. Many people flock to this place made famous by its tea produce and wonderful treks. Apart from visiting tea plantations and sampling the varieties grown in the region, one should make it a point to get to Abbey Falls which pulls in a lot of crowds year after year.

1st place while planning I had made up my mind was Misty Mandalpatti. It was one of the most beautiful place I visited. 3000 ft above the sea level. Jeep took me to the Rocky forest covered road into the Heaven.

18. Madikeri -At a distance of 260 kilometers from Bangalore is Madikeri, the capital of Coorg. Known for its lush tea estates and pristine Abbey Falls, this is one of the many places that has seen a growth in the number of visitors round the year and thus is one of the places to visit near Bangalore. Walking activities like trekking, camping out and bird watching will occupy most of one’s time here.

Day visit at kushalnagar n madikeri day started a visit to mosque at kushalnagar to freshen up .. pray ..then walk towards nisargadhama reached at 7:00 am which opens at 9:00 am so hired auto to golden temple then fish pond, nisrgadhama then to dubare i.e elephant camp n river rafting .. next stop to chikli dam with the help of Mr chandru (kind auto driver) also explored kushalnagar paid auto 800/- then after quick lunch bid farewell hopped into bus to madikeri at 2:30pm one hour journey lead to Raja Seat awesome place to relax n bask nature warmth ,walked to explore epic madikeri fort,hired auto to Abey falls breathtaking waterfall n clear air take deep breath here .. then on way back to madikeri bus stand visited Raja's tomb there are three tombs n u r allowed to visit one . paid the auto guy 250/- n walked to Omkareshwar temple offered prayers walked towards bus station at 7:30 pm enquired about bus timing to Bangalore had our dinner washed ourselves in the public loo there n waited fr the bus till 9:30 which dropped us at majestic at 5:00 am ..Honest feedback Madikeri has amazing weather .. foods available at reasonable rate . people of kushalnagar are amazingly friendly .. walk in madikeri made me realize I can burn calories walking via steep roads here ;) one can even walk in the River Kaveri at dubare .. Nisargadhama doesnt house lot of animals.. one can feed the deer's there . the place is known for home made chocolate and amazing wine at reasonable price . if u have Rs 4000/- approx would be enough for two of them to travel and visit the places .. since we did not stay n relied on street food n biscuits .
P.S: Do not forget to use mosquito repelling cream and hydrate yourself to keep energy going .

Madikeri was formerly known as Muddu raja keri. Muddurajakeri which means Mudduraja's town, was named after the prominent Haleri king, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633 to 1687.
The town is nestled on hills and is the center of Coorg district. If you want to explore Coorg then this is the place to stay as all the famous place can be easily accessed from this town. Raja's seat is the apt place to enjoy the sun rise and the sun set.
Madikeri has a lot of history to show case. The place has several home stays with perfect host. An apt place to get lost.

We left Victorian Verandaz to our lunch in the afternoon. We travelled to Madikeri town. It is a small town (You know what! There were just three vehicles standing outside Regional Transport Office on a working day). Rain-Tree restaurant was suggested by various travel websites to have our lunch hence we tried the place and it was wonderful experience. The food was awesome as was the ambience. They also have an outlet to buy coffee beans and powder at the restaurant. We then visited Abbey falls which is a typical touristy destination filled up with crowd. The falls are really beautiful but you can’t reach the water. You have to see the falls from a bridge built over the waterfall. I would recommend visiting it if you are interested just to see the waterfall and you are okay if you can’t really enjoy this place. We then visited the Raja’s chair which is park in middle of the town and has a valley facing west direction. This place is recommended to be visited to enjoy a magnificent sun setting in the horizon (although we went in the afternoon). The valley is beautiful and the clouds arising from the valley made it even more beautiful. We spent a long time watching the valley. Mesmerizing!! But as the evening came closer the tourists started pouring and made it crowded so we chose to move back to the town to do some local shopping. Home-made chocolates and filter coffee is what you should take back home along with the wonderful memories from Coorg. I recommend Choci-Coorg shop opposite Vasan eye care to find a range of tasty chocolates in Coorg.

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If you have always dreamed of living in some beautiful suburbs, Aluva in Kerala is the place for you. It is in stark contrast to the hustle bustle of Ernakulam and a bliss to live in.
Home to numerous rivers, streams and temples, this laidback town welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. Besides the stunning landscape, there are a few places to see here including Aluva Palace, Shiva temple and Marthanda Varma Bridge. The Aluva Palace is one of the largest archaeological palaces in Kerala and is definitely a must visit. Even if you are not fond of historical tours, you can enjoy the grandeur this palace offers.
Instead of touristy sites, it's best to indulge in the spur of the moment tours where you will get a chance to interact with locals, learn about the culture and enjoy the many delicacies this small town offers.
You may not have too many options when it comes to hotels, but there are a few budget hotels you can try.